A NEW PRINCIPLE FOR ELECTROMAGNETIC CATHETER FLOW METERS*

AUTOR(ES)
RESUMO

An electromagnetic catheter flow meter is described in which the magnetic field is generated by two parallel bundles of wire carrying equal currents in opposite directions. The electrodes are fixed centrally to the insulated wire bundles that generate the magnetic field. The flow sensor is flexible, resembling a split catheter. The flow transducer is designed to constrict as it is introduced through a branch artery and to expand in the main artery over the span of its diameter. The principle is suitable for branch flow measurement as well as for measurement of flow in a major artery or vein by the same transducer. A special method of guiding the electrode wires results in a zero base line at zero flow for the entire range of diameters accommodating the field generating coil. The electrodes could be used in this configuration with a magnetic field generated by coils external to the patient for blood flow measurements with a catheter of reduced gauge. The transducer can be made smaller in circumference than those employed in other electromagnetic flow measuring catheter devices. This feature is of special value for envisaged clinical uses (percutaneous introduction) to minimize surgical intervention.

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